Bottle Jack Help and Driver Side Front Tire Sag

Was going to add this to the end of another thread but thought I'd start a new one as I'm reading conflicting reports.
I bought the 12 ton bottle jack with 18" of max height. I think I can get a 2x6 or 2x8 under it for extra height and still have it slide under the center front jack point.
My problem (and it seems I'm not alone) is from the center jack point, I can get the passenger side front tire off the ground easily but the driver's side is taking longer and I'm worried about maxing out the jack.
Just use the 2x6 as a shim? I wish there was less give in the front. Sorry for the beginner questions. I'm measure 25 times and cut once on this one...


Passenger side tire off the ground without problem:


Driver's side front tire not fully off the ground:

 

For home shop use, a basic 2-3 ton floor jack is more appropriate, with a good set of jack stands. You can probably buy both for near what that 12t bottle jack cost.

But I carry a bottle jack when on trips, along with a few 12-16" chunks of 2x6's for elevation and to keep from sinking into soft ground. I use a 3t for the Taco, and a 8t for the Suburban. If you need to use a shim between jack & frame, I recommend hard wood (oak, hickory,etc) as the ram on that jack can split common 2x6 material.

As far as lifting, might try just behind each wheel on the frame rail. Easier access and more placement options, far easier to pump the handle of the bottle jack.

 

Jack one side install jack stand then do the other side.

Another fix is to make a cradle the sits on top of the hydraulic jack that allows lifting over a bigger area. Allowing both front wheels to be lifted more easily.

A floor jack does work wonders.

 

Right. Common sense answer that I totally missed. Thanks. (And I'm coming around to the floor jack. The cost is one thing; but I just can't figure out where I'd store it.)

 

If you remove the handle it makes a floor jack much easier to store

 

Can also jack on the transmission crossmember. Put a piece of 2x4 or 2x6 between the ram head and the crossmember to avoid bending the sheetmetal. That's a lower point than the frame rails.

 

As stated already, bottle jacks are really just for axles. You need a floor jack for those points.

 

Some times you do what needs done with what you have in hand.

Not many points I have not used a bottle jack on over the years.

 

True, I’m just saying that the right jack for the right application beats shims and platforms.

 

Safe Jack - 4WD, Outdoor,Off road, 4X4 accessories and products. (safejacks.com)
I run this product with a 6 ton bottle jack and have good luck with it. Since I carry it 24-7 in the truck I use it at home in lieu of a floor jack, though the floor jack is quicker. I have 33's and this setup is more than adequate for getting the truck up high enough to get set it on stands and remove your wheels. Just another option.

 

Jack up an LCA, place jack stand, drop jack, repeat on other side.